Morning Commuting Temperature Plummets to Below Freezing with Afternoon Highs Reaching 12 Degrees
Tuesday morning saw most parts of the country experiencing sub-zero temperatures, with daytime highs predicted to rise to around 12 degrees Celsius.
On Tuesday, February 10th, the morning temperatures across most regions of South Korea have dipped below freezing, marking a cold start to the day. By afternoon, temperatures are expected to rise significantly, particularly in inland areas, leading to a noticeable temperature difference of around 15 degrees between day and night. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that overall, the weather will remain mostly clear with some cloud cover later in the day, with temperatures slightly below the seasonal average expected to persist until February 11th.
Health officials are advising the public to be cautious of health risks due to the significant temperature fluctuations, especially in inland areas where morning temperatures can drop below zero, particularly in the mountainous regions where they may reach -5 degrees Celsius. Additionally, many areas, excluding the east coast, are likely to experience frost formation during the early morning hours, which could impact travel conditions. Commuters are particularly advised to be vigilant while driving in foggy conditions, as visibility may drop below 1 km in some inland regions.
Air quality reports indicate that fine dust levels in certain areas, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, and parts of Daegu and North Gyeongsang, are expected to reach 'bad' levels, necessitating caution for sensitive groups. Other regions may experience moderate air quality, but some areas like Incheon and Gyeongnam may also see poor air quality at times. As South Koreans prepare for their morning commutes, both the chilly weather and air quality issues will pose challenges throughout the day.